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March 24, 2026
错误(錯誤)cuòwù(cuo4wu4)
The term '错误' (cuò wù) refers to an error or mistake, indicating something that is incorrect or wrong. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to discuss inaccuracies in actions, decisions, or information. This word can also imply a sense of misunderstanding or misjudgment in various contexts.
Frequency#787DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging a '错误' is important for maintaining social harmony and accountability. The concept of making mistakes is often discussed in educational contexts, emphasizing learning from errors rather than just penalizing them.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person making a mistake while trying to 'cut' a cake (the character '错' sounds like 'cuo', which means 'to cut'). The '误' part can be visualized as a confused face, symbolizing misunderstanding. Together, they remind you that cutting incorrectly leads to a mistake.
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AI Study Notes for 错误
Quick Contrast
错误 (cuòwù) vs 失误 (shīwù) — use 错误 for general mistakes, while 失误 specifically refers to errors due to oversight or negligence.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person making a mistake while trying to 'cut' a cake (the character '错' sounds like 'cuo', which means 'to cut'). The '误' part can be visualized as a confused face, symbolizing misunderstanding. Together, they remind you that cutting incorrectly leads to a mistake.
Usage Notes
'错误' is often used in formal contexts, like academic writing or official reports. A common mistake is to confuse it with '错' (cuò), which means 'wrong' but is used in different contexts. Be careful with the tones: a mispronunciation can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '错误' connects with other vocabulary related to evaluation and judgment, such as '判断' (pàn duàn, judgment) and '解决' (jiě jué, to solve). Focus on using it in sentences where you describe situations that involve mistakes or errors.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, acknowledging a '错误' is important for maintaining social harmony and accountability. The concept of making mistakes is often discussed in educational contexts, emphasizing learning from errors rather than just penalizing them.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '错误' (cuò wù) with '错' (cuò) and use them interchangeably. A wrong example would be saying '我有错' (wǒ yǒu cuò) when discussing a specific mistake; instead, it's better to say '我有错误' (wǒ yǒu cuò wù).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 错误
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Grammar Patterns of 错误
错误 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
To force this agreement on the nation is transparently wrong.
Cultural Notes for 错误
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, acknowledging a '错误' is important for maintaining social harmony and accountability. The concept of making mistakes is often discussed in educational contexts, emphasizing learning from errors rather than just penalizing them.
Frequently Asked Questions about 错误
You can say '这是一种错误' (zhè shì yī zhǒng cuò wù) which means 'This is a kind of mistake.'
Synonyms include '失误' (shī wù) for a blunder and '过错' (guò cuò) for a fault.
Yes, while it is often used in formal contexts, it can also be used in everyday conversation when discussing mistakes.
